Water Conservation Reporting System

The Water Conservation Reporting System collects annual water conservation data from cities, commercial, industrial and institutional water users and will help track the success of water conservation efforts in the state. The Water Conservation Reporting System began in 2018 and is a supplement to the annual water use report in the Minnesota Permitting and Reporting System (MPARS). The reporting system provides:

  • Robust dashboards for analyzing water conservation measures.
  • Data year after year for trend analysis.
  • Methods to measure and record if the state is achieving water conservation goals.

The Minnesota Water Conservation Reporting System was developed by Energy Savings Plantform LLC, under contract with the DNR.

Annual Statewide Conservation Report

A report looking at conservation efforts across the state is published yearly. Additional water conservation analysis by region or sector may be available by request.

The first comprehensive report was completed in 2018 by water suppliers serving more than 1,000 people. Water use information was from 2017. Relative to the DNR's conservation goals, the 2017 information indicates:

  • Statewide utilities have a water loss of 8.8%, meeting the DNR conservation goal of no more than 10% water loss.
  • Statewide value for residential consumption, Gallons per Capita per Day (GPCD), is 52 gallons, meeting the DNR conservation goal of no more than 75 GPCD.
  • Peak Daily Use (maximum gallons per day during the year, divided by average daily use) is 2.3, meeting the DNR conservation peaking factor goal of no more than 2.6.

Water Conservation Reporting System Training Materials

The DNR is launching this new and innovative tool in phases over four years. Eventually all water appropriation permit holders will receive training and have access to the water conservation reporting system. Training materials are organized by types of water users.

  • Public Water Suppliers - serving more than 1,000 people
    • reporting due March 30, 2018 and every year after
  • Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Sectors
    • reporting due March 30, 2019 and every year after
  • Public Water Suppliers - serving less than 1,000 people
    • reporting due March 30, 2020 and every year after
    • Other Water Use Sectors
      • reporting due March 30, 2021 and every year after

    Types of Water Users

    Public Water Suppliers - serving more than 1,000 people

    Reporting System Login

    Annual reporting period is January 2 through March 30, effective 2018. Water suppliers serving more than 1,000 people should have received notification and an invitation to log into the Water Conservation Reporting System. If you believe your system was overlooked, contact Carmelita Nelson (DNR Water Conservation Program) at 651-259-5034 or Lori Bovitz (ESPWater Customer Service) at 866-258-6913.

    Training Video and Instructions

    The training video outlines how to complete the Water Conservation Reporting System. The video is approximately one hour. Alternative formats are available on request for any needed accommodations. Contact Carmelita Nelson at 651-259-5034.

    Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Sectors

    Reporting System Login

    Annual reporting period is January 2 through March 30, beginning in 2019. Permit holders in the commercial, industrial and institutional sector should have received notification and an invitation to log into the Water Conservation Reporting System. If you believe your system was overlooked, contact Carmelita Nelson (DNR Water Conservation Program) at 651-259-5034 or Lori Bovitz (ESPWater Customer Service) at 866-258-6913.

    Dewatering permits are exempt. Golf courses and sod farms can report in 2021.

    Training Video and Instructions

    The training video outlines how to complete the Water Conservation Reporting System. The video is approximately 45 minutes. Alternative formats are available on request for any needed accommodations. Contact Carmelita Nelson at 651-259-5034.

     

    Public Water Suppliers - serving less than 1,000 people

    Water suppliers serving less than 1,000 people will report water use through MPARS. Suppliers have the option to complete the Water Supply Inventory form for city use. The DNR will not collect this data. In late 2019, smaller water suppliers will receive training on the Water Conservation Reporting System. The first report will be due January 2 through March 30, 2020.

    Other Water Use Sectors

    Training will be available in late 2020 and these water users may use the tool from January 1 through March 30 each year beginning in 2021.

    Questions